Progressive push button switch



Nov. 12, 1957 KAY c. TONG 2,813,160

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United States Patent PROGRESSIVE PUSH BUTTON SWITCH Kay C. Tong, Culver City, Aircraft, Inc., Hawthorne, fornia Calif., assignor to Northrop Calif., a corporation of Cali- This invention has to do with electrical equipment and more particularly with switches therefore.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a progressive push button switch that will enable an electrical circuit designer to incorporate in a circuit the sequence of operation feature of this invention where the time element of operation is of importance.

Another object of this invention is to provide a progressive push button switch that is relatively economical to manufacture and assemble.

Figure 1 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view portions of the structure being broken away for purposes of obtaining clarity.

Figure 2 is an end elevation view illustrating and having embodied therein the present invention.

Figures 3 to 5 inclusive are schematic views illustrating the sequence of operation of the invention.

Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description of the invention broadly designates an elongated hollow body having four elongated integral side panels, 12, 14, 16 and 18; the ends of the body being open.

Formed in side 18 of the body are a pair of spaced apart openings 20 and 22 through which extend a pair of spring loaded push button switches 24 and 26, the latter being retained in position in the body 10 by nut and washer assemblies 32 and 34. The buttons 28 and 30 are disposed within the interior of the body as may be determined by referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. Each switch has corresponding terminals 36 secured thereto by screws 38.

Disposed in the body 10, resting on buttons 28 and 30 and laying parallel to walls 12 and 18 when the switches are in their normal position is an elongated, flat plate 40. Formed in, and offset from the center of plate 40 is an opening 42.

Extending through and having a diameter less than opening 42 is a projection 44 that is integral with a push button broadly designated 46. Disposed between the projection 44 and a button 48 and integral with each is a frusto-conical stop 50 the base of which engages the interior surface of the side 12 when the button 48 projects through an opening 52 in the latter, to retain the push button 46 in place as well as the plate 40. Attention is directed to the fact that the opening 52 has a greater diameter than the button 48.

The operation of the device is as follows and attention is directed to Figures 3 to 5 inclusive.

Assume the position of the switches 24 and 26, plate 40 and push button 46 to be in the position as illustrated in Figure 3, and the same force is required to actuate the buttons 28 and 30 of each switch 24 and 26. When a force is applied to push button 46, the plate 40 fulcrums on the button 30 of switch 26 and button 28 is urged from the dotted to the full line position to actuate the switch 24. Continued application of force to button 46 results in button 28 functioning as a fulcrum for the plate 40, and due to button 28 reaching its limit of movement, the additional force is imposed on button 30 to urge it from the dotted to the full line position as illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings. In the last mentioned figure it is seen that both switches have been actuated and a complete sequence of electrical operation has been obtained.

Releasing the force imposed on button 46 results in reversal of the operation; and the structure, under the impetus of the spring loaded switches 24 and 26, returns to the position illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings.

While in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise a preferred form of putting the invention into elfect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A progressive push button switch comprising a body; a pair of spaced apart, parallel push button switches mounted in the body; a plate in the body in simultaneous contacting relationship with both of said switches and fulcruming thereon; said switches each functioning as a fulcrum for the other when actuated; said plate having an opening therein offset from the center thereof; and a push button in said body having a projection thereon that is received by said opening; said push button being in contacting relationship with said plate for successively actuating said switches.

2. A progressive push button switch comprising a hollow body having an opening therein; a pair of spaced apart, parallel push button switches mounted in the body; a plate in the body in simultaneous contacting relationship with both of said switches and fulcruming thereon; said switches each functioning as a fulcrum for the other when actuated; said plate having an opening therein offset from the center thereof; a push button in said body, and received by the opening therein for actuating said switches; said opening being greater than the outside diameter of the button extending therethrough; a projection on the push button that is received by and extends through opening in said plate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,004,005 Ferguson Sept. 26, 1911 2,289,882 Myers July 14, 1942 2,469,976 Miller May 10, 1949 2,485,340 Warmey Oct. 18, 1949 2,621,267 Cripe Dec. 9, 1952 2,695,939 Filliette Nov. 30, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 958,556 France Sept. 12, 1949 

